Murder conviction for cousins who kicked man 'like a football'
- Published
Christopher McGee died as a result of his injuries
Two cousins have been convicted of murder after kicking a man "like a football".
WIlliam McMahon, 47, and David McMahon, 41, teamed up to attack Christopher McGee leaving the 36 year-old unconscious.
The older cousin initially punched the victim before the other smacked him with a glass bottle. William McMahon then kicked him on the head and body.
Mr McGee passed away in hospital days after the attack in November 2021.
The McMahons had denied murder during a trial at the High Court in Glasgow but jurors convicted both of the charge.
The pair were remanded in custody and each will face a life sentence when they return to court in the New Year.
A large group of the victim's family and friends were in court to hear the verdicts.
There was a loud round of applause from them and shouts of "bye" as the McMahons were led off to the cells.
The trial heard how the men had been with others outside a house in Hamilton in South Lanarkshire on 5 November 2021, before the violence occurred.
The McMahons were said to have exchanged a knowing wink before turning on Mr McGee.
William McMahon punched the victim as his younger cousin lurked nearby in possession of a bottle.
Prosecutor Eilidh Robertson told jurors that David McMahon then "upped the ante" by striking the victim with the weapon.
Mr McGee was felled and knocked out cold. William McMahon then continued the attack by booting Mr McGee on the head and body.
One witness said: "It sounded like hard kicks - like you would with a football."
Mr McGee - who also had blood coming from his mouth - was given CPR by a resident before he was taken to hospital.
He was found to have brain damage.
The 36-year-old never recovered and died on 8 November at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
'Telling insight'
After the attack, David McMahon was said to have told his partner that he "did not care if he went to jail".
In her closing speech, the prosecutor stated: "You may think that comment is a telling insight into his state of mind."
He also remarked that he had "waited years for this".
Miss Robertson said both McMahons contributed to the violent death.
She told jurors they did not care "if Christopher McGee lived or died".
Describing their behaviour after the attack, the advocate depute stated: "Were they giving him CPR, checking for a pulse or to see if he was breathing? No. Did they call 999? No."
The McMahons will return to court in January to be told the minimum period they will spend behind bars.